Surfing in Portugal for Beginners: 11 Best Beaches

WHAT ARE THE BEST SURFING SPOTS IN PORTUGAL FOR BEGINNERS?

If you’re asking that question, then you are in the right spot as the best surfing in Portugal for beginners spots are all listed here. Portugal is a great place to learn to surf. It has surf camps, surf schools, and a vibrant surf culture that attracts people from all over the world. 

You’ll find surfing beaches and surf schools all along Portugal’s coast, including in the Algarve, Lisbon region, and Ericea region.

Whether you’d like to have a relaxed day lesson or want to spend a week or more immersed in learning to surf, Portugal is the perfect choice for your surfing adventures. 

If you’ve never surfed before, or are just starting to learn, read on to find out 10 of the best beaches for surfing in Portugal for beginners. 

Best Time of Year For Surf Lessons in Portugal

When is the best time of year to surf Portugal’s waves? The best time of year to learn to surf in Portugal is during the summer. During the warm summer months, you’ll benefit from warmer water and smaller ocean swells.

Warmer water makes it easier to focus on learning and spend longer in the ocean. And the smaller waves are much more conducive to actually getting up on your board for the first time. 

Although summer is the best time, you can definitely beginner surf in Portugal during the winter. The main challenge of winter beginner surfing in Portugal is that waves during this season can be more intense. The learning curve will be a bit harder, but it isn’t impossible! 

The benefit of learning to surf during winter? Portugal, in winter, is far less crowded with tourists. The off-season means everything from your accommodation to surf school will be slightly less expensive. And the beaches won’t be packed with people.

If you do decide to learn surfing during winter, I recommend heading to the Algarve, which is the south coast region of Portugal. 

Algarve beaches are sheltered from large swells that hit the west coast of Portugal, and so the winter surf on them is more manageable. Several Algarve beaches are a good fit for beginner surfing – they’re included in the list below. 

The prime time for experienced surfers is from September to April, when the swells are larger, particularly in the central and northern regions. This period is ideal for those seeking more challenging waves.

However, the best time to surf in Portugal for beginners is during the summer months, from May to August. During this time, the waves are smaller and more manageable, perfect for learning surfing. Conditions are ideal for every skill level, and the milder waves and warmer waters create a welcoming environment for those new to the sport.

A 3/2mm wetsuit is generally suitable, providing insulation and protecting the skin from abrasions. During winter (December to February), when temperatures can drop to around 15°C (59°F), thicker wetsuits like 4/3mm or 5/4mm are advisable for additional warmth. Other essential gear includes a surfboard, leash, wax, and sunscreen, especially during the sunny summer months

Now that we got that out of the way, ready to learn some of Portugal best surf spots? Let’s dive into the best beaches for beginner surfers in Portugal.

11 Best Beginner Beaches for Surfing in Portugal

So what are some of the best surf beaches in Portugal if you want to learn to surf Portugal’s waves? Here are some of the best surf towns in Portugal, perfect if you are looking for a Portugal surf holiday.

1. Tonel Beach, Vila do Bispo

One of the best Portugal surf towns is Tonel Beach located on the western side of Ponta de Sagres on the southwestern tip of Portugal. Being on the west coast of Portugal, Tonel has a unique positioning that makes it a popular spot for surfers. The beach is surrounded by tall, steep cliffs that shelter the beach from the wind.

This beach has big waves during the winter months. Given this, Tonel Beach is a better fit for beginner surfers in the summer, when the swells aren’t as intense. 

There are a couple of surf schools operating out of Sagres. The schools often bring their groups of beginner surfers to Tonel. They provide the equipment needed and an instructor to help you learn the basics of surfing. 

SURFING IN PORTUGAL FOR BEGINNERS

2. Praia da Luz, Algarve

Luz is a small resort town situated on the western Algarve coastline. Praia da Luz is easily accessible from the town. It’s possible to stay in Luz or visit it on a day trip from Lagos.

Praia da Luz has a few surf-friendly days in summer, but the winter swells are larger and more consistent, making for a better learning environment. To surf at Praia da Luz, you can rent surf equipment or join a surf school. 

SURFING IN PORTUGAL FOR BEGINNERS

3. Praia da Rocha, Algarve

Praia da Rocha is about 3 kilometers south of Portimão, one of the Algarve’s small cities. This is one of the Algarve’s longest and broadest beaches. It has tons of sand space and is backed by low cliffs. Because this beach is so big, Praia da Rocha doesn’t typically become overcrowded, even in summer.

The swells at this Portugal surfing town are suitable for beginner surfers year-round, and there are several surf schools and rental shops that offer classes and equipment.

SURFING IN PORTUGAL FOR BEGINNERS

4. Cantinho da Baía, Peniche

Peniche is a coastal town just north of Lisbon. It was once a fishing village but has now become a popular spot for tourists, including surfers.

Peniche is known for the Rip Curl Pro surf contest, which is held every year in October. The contest brings pro surfers to Peniche’s beach, Cantinho da Baia. But Cantinho da Baia is also a great fit for beginners.

There are several surf camps that operate out of Peniche, so it’s easy to book a day lesson or join a multi-day camp. I personally stayed at the Surfer’s Lodge in Peniche and loved it.

SURFING IN PORTUGAL FOR BEGINNERS

5. Cabedelo, Figueira da Foz

Figueira da Foz is a coastal city and a municipality in the Coimbra District, north of Lisbon in Portugal. The region has a wide variety of surf spots to choose from, but the most popular one is Cabedelo.

With a protected sand dune area, the beach has a long sandy area and wooden walkways that allow access to the beach and sea. Cabedelo has one of the better waves in the area, and so it can get busy. But because it’s one of the more popular surf beaches Portugal has to offer, there are lots of surf schools and rental shops.

SURFING IN PORTUGAL FOR BEGINNERS

6. Praia do Matadouro, Ericeira

If you are looking for THE perfect surf town, then this is one of the best surf towns Portugal has to offer. Ericeira is a fishing village named after the many sea urchins once found on its shores, and it’s home to a popular surfing beach: Praia do Matadouro.

This beach has limited sand so it tends to be the spot for surfers rather than sun-bathers. There are plenty of surf schools that use Praia do Matadouro as their go-to spot, and you also have the option to rent surf equipment.

The waves tend to be calmer than those of neighboring beaches, but are still good enough for surfers – this is what makes it perfect for beginners.

SURFING IN PORTUGAL FOR BEGINNERS

7. Praia do Guincho, Cascais

Praia do Guincho is a 1-kilometer-long beach located between Cascais and Sintra in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. It’s only about a 1-hour drive from Lisbon, making it a good option for learning to surf if you’re staying primarily in Portugal’s capital city. 

Praia do Guincho is known for being windy and for its powerful waves, which have made it part of international surfing and windsurfing circuits and championships. For beginner surfers, the summer is the best time to learn on this beach.

As this is one of the top surfing in Lisbon for beginners spots, there are many surf schools operating out of Cascais as well as Lisbon, which will take you to this surf spot to learn. 

SURFING IN PORTUGAL FOR BEGINNERS

8. Praia da Arrifana

Arrifana, located in the Algarve region, is renowned for its consistent waves throughout the summer, making it an ideal choice for beginners. This beach lies in the western Algarve, where the swells are similar to those in Ericeira and Peniche.

The waves typically range from 2-5 feet, and the warm water during this season makes for comfortable surfing conditions. Arrifana’s atmosphere is welcoming, with a communal vibe where learners encourage each other.

It’s important to note that while Arrifana can experience larger waves, local surf schools are known to relocate to calmer spots in the southern Algarve when necessary. For accommodations, you can either stay in nearby Aljezur or choose the Arrifana Surf Lodge, which often operates on this beach

SURFING IN PORTUGAL FOR BEGINNERS

9. Praia de Matosinhos

Praia de Matosinhos is considered the best beach near Porto. It’s a really long beach that has lots of sandy areas, as well as some rocky parts. It’s best to avoid the rocky areas when surfing, but this is easily done since the beach is so big.

Matosinhos Beach has the perfect waves for beginners because the waves are consistent. You can take surf lessons here year-round. There are surf schools, as well as equipment rental options. 

SURFING IN PORTUGAL FOR BEGINNERS

10. Praia do Amado

Praia do Amado, situated in the Algarve’s Aljezur surf region, is considered one of the best beginner surf spots in Portugal. The beach is known for its consistent, small to medium-sized waves, perfect for novices.

It’s in a relatively remote part of the Algarve but still accessible from nearby surf towns like Sagres and Lagos —  making this beach one of the best surfing in Lagos Portugal option. Praia do Amado is particularly recommended for those visiting Portugal in the summer and looking for consistent surf.

Keep in mind that the area is remote, so having a car is advisable if you plan to stay in Carrapateira and drive to the beach for lessons.

SURFING IN PORTUGAL FOR BEGINNERS

11. São João da Caparica Beach

São João da Caparica Beach, located in the coastal town of Costa da Caparica, just south of Lisbon, offers an ideal setting for beginner surfers. This beach is known for its long, sandy stretches and relatively gentle waves, making it perfect for those just starting out in surfing.

The beach is easily accessible and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. With its consistent wave conditions, São João da Caparica provides a safe and comfortable environment for beginners to practice and develop their surfing skills.

Additionally, the beach is well-equipped with surf schools and rental shops where beginners can find all the necessary equipment and guidance to get started.

Apart from surfing, Costa da Caparica is a lively area with a range of dining and entertainment options. After a day in the water, beginners can explore the town’s various cafes, restaurants, and shops, enjoying the local Portuguese culture.

Surfing in Portugal for Beginners: Common Questions

Now that we’ve covered some of the Portugal surf spots perfect for Portugal surfing beginners, here are answers to some common questions about surfing in Portugal for beginners.

These beaches have a sandy bottom and small waves, which is perfect for surfers who are just starting out.  

SURFING IN PORTUGAL FOR BEGINNERS

During this season, the water is warmer, and the ocean swells are small, which makes it much easier to spend lots of time in the water learning how to catch a wave. 

SURFING IN PORTUGAL FOR BEGINNERS

SURFING IN PORTUGAL FOR BEGINNERS

While its waves may lack consistency, they compensate with a low-key, friendly atmosphere. Sagres in the south and secluded Odeceixe in the Algarve also offer less crowded surfing experiences, each with unique characteristics and a relaxed vibe.

Final Thoughts: Surfing in Portugal For Beginners

Portugal, renowned as a “swell magnet” due to its west and south-facing coastlines, is an ideal destination for surf enthusiasts. This unique orientation ensures the country captures swells from every direction, making it a prime spot for surfing.

So can you surf in Portugal? Absolutely! This guide serves as a comprehensive surf guide, highlighting the splendid Portugal surfing beaches.

If you are looking for instruction, remember that there are numerous surf school Portugal options that provide excellent training for all skill levels. And where should you surf? Make sure to take a look at a map of Portugal beaches, which can guide you to choose the best beach for your needs.

Ultimately, no matter your skill level or surfing goals, Portugal’s diverse coastline offers an array of opportunities. From the lively surf beaches Algarve to tranquil spots up the coast, every surfer can find their ideal wave. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot where to learn to surf in Portugal or just seeking a great wave, Portugal’s surf scene won’t disappoint.